THALIA Mr. Kane's grimace made me remember that he warned me not to leave the office. But he also said that I could have my lunch first.“Time to work. Let's go.” His voice is as cold as ice.Is he angry? or did I just forget that he always sounded like that?I sighed when he pulled my wrist and was about to walk to the door, but Frederick held my other hand.Shit. He shouldn't do this to Mr. Kane.With a glare to Frederick, I tried to take my hand off his grip.“Can't she have her lunch break?” His tone was way colder than Mr. Kane, which made me stop.Is he angry, too? Why?I saw Mr. Kane's jaw clenched as he turned to Frederick with a frown, meeting his eyes.“Her lunch break is over.”I suck my lips in between my teeth as I get chills down my spine at the way they converse. “There's still thirty minutes.”“Don't act like you're her boss.”“You're abusing your power.”The cold and chilly atmosphere around me was making my pulse pounded rapidly. But Frederick’s statement even anno
DAMONThalia has been silent beside me while she can't stop drinking the liquor. I watch her, chugging her tequila as if it's not her first time drinking it, even though she said the opposite.She stood up and swirled on her feet. Before she was out of balance, I pulled her back on her seat. “What? Feeling about throwing up?” I asked.She shook her head and went back to her tequila. But I snatched it away from her.I scratched my head when she pouted and buried her face on the table as if sulking because I took the most precious thing she had. I wouldn't have let this young woman get drunk.I drink my whiskey in a minimal amount. I can't drink severely today since this woman might do something she might regret tomorrow. After I told her that her attacker escaped from prison, she asked for a drink. It's not good for her to be seen in a bar, so I took her home. And she starts rummaging in my counter bar for drinks. We both just remain silent the whole time while drinking our own liq
THALIAI woke up with a feeling of being knocked down yesterday. But my head was in more pain than my whole body. It was as if I was being hit internally with something hard.Hard liquor. With a groan, I sat on the bed and massaged my temple to ease the pain before I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was underwear on the floor.A color beige bra.“Is that my bra? Why is it on the floor–” I froze when my eyes scanned the room. F*ck! This is not my room! This is Damon's guest room. What the hell happened yesterday?Right! We drank because I just felt like drinking even though I'm not used to it.I clenched my fist in my chest but my soul left me.WHY AM I NOT WEARING MY BRA?!My gaze was back on the bra on the floor and sprinted without having a second thought.I wish I didn't take this off in front of Mr. Kane. I really didn't clearly remember if he was drunk too or not.The door suddenly opened. Adrenaline rushed through me as I hid my bra behind me but I remembered t
(Anastasia's POV)I wake up swamped in my light blue covers, rubbing my eyes as the bright sunlight hits them. I glance over at my clock which is marked 8:05 am. Oh shit! I am gonna be late! Dashing off from the bed and quickly take a shower. As soon I was finished, I dressed in a white plain T-shirt and partnered it down with denim blue pants and black Converse. I apply a powder and lilting to my bare face before I brush my hair and tie it into a neat bun that rested on top of my head. I exited my apartment and headed to the Latte Cafe where I work as a cashier.Once I arrived, I stride inside the shop and was greeted by a warm smile from my co-worker."Good morning, Ana." "Good morning, Jane," I respond.After I set my belongings in my locker, I help Jane to set up everything before the customer dashes in. While doing our chores, Mrs. Smith arrived at the shop with a profound countenance."Ms. Hansley, to my office now." she coldly states.I glance at Jane but she just shrugged wh
(Caleb's POV)It was finally the night of the most awaited annual Carter charity event. Unfortunately, I have been feeling under the weather since this morning after waking up from a killer headache. Because of this event, my workload is packed more than ever and I had been traveling back and forth from the Carter main headquarters to several branches to handle management matters personally without a day's rest. I may love working but I also know how to appreciate rest days once in a while. And right now, spending some time alone in my penthouse with a cup of coffee and a book sounded good. I casually fixed my tux while looking at my reflection in the glass window of the library.A part of me is relieved that Lucas is handling the problem regarding my father's Will. Of course, I trusted my cousin. Josh is clever, smart, and an overall good kid. He's a Carter after all but I can't help but worry about him. Sometimes, there's a look on his face that spells trouble. I just hope that th
(Anastasia's POV)I followed Mr. Carter. to a private parking lot where all the VIP vehicles are. He unlocked the trunk of his car and took out a brown leather duffle bag, and pulled out a white cotton towel."Dry yourself first. I don't want you to catch a cold." he handed me the towel before putting the bag back in the trunk. He then unlocked the driver's seat and motioned his hand at me to get on the other side."I'll dry myself first. I don't want to ruin the seats. They look expensive."He rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt to his elbows, "It doesn't matter, you can do it inside. Now, get in before someone sees you."Reminding me of how scary reporters can be, I hurriedly hopped in the passenger seat.He started to move out of the car from the parking lot with ease. "So, what's this important thing you were going to tell me?"I looked outside the windows as they go past building by building. "W-where are we going?" I also noticed how the rain seemed to have also calmed down a b
(Caleb's POV)After she signed the contract. We headed to her place to pick up her mom and sister. Since she said earlier that they must move out, Josh can't find a vacant apartment near my house or company, so he ended up with a condominium near my company."Turn left..." I followed her instruction on which way is their home. This place looks like a poor residential area, you can see a crowded neighborhood and a loud situation.Somewhere a dog barked, I could hear the risings and fallings of a conversation being held on a porch near the corner, chatting and yapping and playing and shrieking; a car passed on the street, the roaring sound of a motorcycle revving on the other side of the cemetery intrudes like a profanity. How can they live here peacefully?"JUST LEAVE THIS INSTANT!!""S-stop the car, sir." she unbuckles her seatbelt and was about to open the door, adrenaline rushed through me as I stepped on the brake. She jumped off the car and run toward the crowded people. Is she cr
Anastasia's POVI stare up at the ceiling in deep thought. What the hell did I get myself into? My life is going to take a drastic turn from this point. Did I make the right choice by accepting this deal? I just signed my life to a stranger himself. I let out a long sigh before standing up from my bed. Enough thinking, Anastasia.I grab my grey sleeping robe and put it on without tying it. While walking to the kitchen, I tie my hair into a messy bun and start making breakfast for my mom and sister. As soon as I finished, the doorbell rang. Striding towards the door, to reveal the most handsome man I've met."Mr. Carter?" I ask confused as to why he was here this early. He raises his hand for a 'hi'. "What are you doing here, Mr. Carter?... Oh! Come in!""I am here to pick you up, we need to go somewhere." He sat on the couch."Uhmm... C-Can we go some other time? I... I still need to explain to Mom about the situation." I keep glancing at my mom's room, but his dark brown eyes gave m